Cavani sinks Milan

Napoli can now say they are true title contenders after they defeated Milan convincingly.

Milan were missing a number of star players, but Napoli were the better side throughout the match.

Milan took the lead on the 11^th minute. Antonio Cassano perfect cross found Alberto Aquilani who headed the ball in.

The celebrations did not last long for Milan as just two minutes later Napoli equalised.

Cavani scored his first of the night to restore parity in the 13^th minute.

Ezequiel Lavezzi whipped over a free-kick from out on the right wing and Christian Maggio rose highest to knock the ball back across the face of goal to the Uruguayan, who lashed a first-time volley under Christian Abbiati to level the scores.

Cavani doubled Napoli’s lead on the 36^th minute.

Walter Gargano started the run from the edge of his own area and surged forward, rolling across to the left for Cavani's powerful strike high at the near post.

Cavani completed his hat-trick after the restart on the 51^st minute. Marek Hamsik's shot had been beaten away by Abbiati, but as the move continued El Matador pounced on an Alessandro Nesta clearance to volley in from the edge of the box.

Milan now have little time to rest following yesterday night’s exploits due to the fact they will meet another top-four side from last season when Udinese come to the San Siro on Wednesday night.

Other results:

Atalanta 1-0 Palermo

Bologna 0-2 Lecce

Catania 1-0 Cesena

Lazio 1-2 Genoa

Parma 2-1 Chievo

Siena 0-1 Juventus

Udinese 2-0 Fiorentina

Napoli 3-1 Milan

Saturday’s result:

Cagliari 2-1 Novara

Inter Milan 0-0 AS Roma